Montessori Method

WHAT IS THE MONTESSORI METHOD AND WHAT BENEFITS DOES IT HAVE WITHIN A CLASSROOM
ENVIRONMENT?

Dr. Maria Montessori's scientific observations of

The Montessori Method is based on the
children's development enabled her to design learning
scientific observation of children. It is
materials and strategically set up classroom
rooted in hands-on learning that is self-
environments that fostered children's freedom and
directed and child-centered.
their desire to learn.

KEY FEATURES OF MONTESSORI MONTESSORI MATERIALS

-Carefully prepared learning environment/free from -Control of error to self correct mistakes
clutter and encourage independence
-Freedom to move within the classroom -Strategically designed materials
-Multiple age groups -Aesthetically pleasing/free from damage
-Child-friendly classroom design -One of each material to foster sharing and
-Uninterrupted blocks of work time collaboration
-Grace and Courtesy (respect for the child, the -Materials are sequenced and displayed from
environment, and for others) simple to more complex.
-Learning by doing -Materials are usually made out of wood

"The greatest FOUR PLANES OF DEVELOPMENT

sign of During Dr. Maria Montessori observations, she noticed four distinct periods of
success for a psychological and physical development within individuals.
teacher... is to
be able to
Birth - 6: The Absorbent Mind. This is a sensitive period where children absorb information
say, ’The and impressions from the world around them.
children are Age 6-12: The Reasoning Mind. Children become more socially and morale aware as their
now working intellect develops.
as if I did not
exist."
Age 12- 18: Physical and psychological transformation
Age 18-24: Transition to adulthood

PREPARED ENVIRONMENT
Within a Montessori setting there are designated areas for specifc subject matter and materials.
PRACTICAL LIFE ARITHMETIC AREA
Designed to teach life skills. It promotes hand-eye coordination, Utilizing materials to develop a number
spatial awareness, and development of gross and fine motor skills. sense,
Examples of activities found in this area: Examples of materials found in this area:
-Sorting, tweezing, or pouring materials -Spindle Box: Introduce the concept of zero using
-Dressing Frames: practicing zipping/buttons/clasps
wooden spindles and a ten compartment tray

LANGUAGE AREA SENSORIAL AREA

Writing precedes reading although many materials indirectly
prepare for both areas. Reading is taught using the phonetic
method.
Examples of materials found in this area:
-Moveable Alphabet: Individual letters
used to encourage word building
-Pink Boxes: 3 letter phonetic words with image or small object
The purpose of this area is to enable
students to develop, notice, and refine
sensory information.
Examples of materials found in this area:
-Pink Tower and Brown Stairs: These are wooden
blocks that supports an awareness
of dimension and size

NATURAL ELEMENTS SCIENCE, CULTURE, MUSIC, ART, AND DRAMATIC

-Plants can foster an appreciation for nature.
-Emphasize respect for all living things
-Nature Table: Children are encouraged to bring
in nature to show and tell
-Allow children to water the plants in the room
THREE PERIOD LESSON
Teachers, also known as Directresses, utilize this origsite=summon&seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents
approach when teaching children new materials. It is 3. Child’s Innate Love for Nature in Promoted in Montessori
important to model materials step by step.
1. The association between a name and the object.
"This is..."
2. The recognition of the object corresponding to the
name. "Which is.."
3. Remembrance of the name corresponding to
each object. "What is..."
PLAY ARE ALSO AREAS FOUND IN A MONTESSORI
CLASSROOM
Resources
1. Montessori and Nature Study:https://www-proquest-
com.ezproxy.uleth.ca/docview/1431087115?pq-origsite=summon
2. Evaluating Montessori Education
https://www-jstor-org.ezproxy.uleth.ca/stable/20031400?pq-
https://montessoriguide.org/the-childs-innate-love-for-nature
4. History of Montessori Education
https://amshq.org/About-Montessori/History-of-Montessori
5. The Montessori Method: Origins of an Educational Innovation
https://books.google.ca/books?
hl=en&lr=&id=ixh0_T43eXgC&oi=fnd&pg=PP11&dq=montessori+meth
od+peer+review&ots=8mfI_CQ9pP&sig=Et8gU-
gOm8lZLIKENt8o8YlFy0Y#v=onepage&q&f=false
By Danielle Murray